From the Experts RSS



A-ha Moments

An a-ha moment comes from what is also known as the Eureka Effect. The effect refers to the common experience of suddenly understanding a concept or an overwhelming emotion. When is the last time you said, “Oh, I will never forget this as long as I live!”, “Wow, I was not expecting that!”, or “Ah, so that is how this works!”? All three expressions are a-ha moments. A moment that is embedded as a memory. How is that even possible? Well, let me take a quick moment to be just a little scientific. When something gives you an emotional feeling, good or bad, our brains release dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline, or serotonin. Those chemicals are the core to what makes us...

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How Z-Wave Technology Keeps You Connected

There are almost a 1000 different Z-wave products on the market today, each with unique capabilities. So what exactly is Z-wave? Z-wave is a wireless technology that connects regular household elements, such as lights, door locks, and thermostats to devices like smartphones and tablets. Never Away products communicate with each other using Z-wave technology, which allows users to control their household utilities, appliances, security, and access control - whether they are at home or far away. The products are integrated to work together, allowing homeowners to customize which appliances, utilities, and other features they want to control in their homes from either a control panel, mobile app, or web portal. There are many advantages to using Z-wave technology. Working late...

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Should you keep your vacation home for pleasure or turn it into a business?

5 Tips When Considering to Rent Your Vacation Home Keep in mind the responsibility attached to renting a property There are several advantages to renting your vacation property, including generating income to cover the property’s expenses, tax break incentives, and even profit from the rentals. However, there are also several stresses to being a property manager for a vacation rental. You will need to arrange for cleaning services prior to check-ins, absorb the cost of maintenance repairs, manage the marketing of your property, and collect payment and fees. Make sure you have the extra time to commit to this. If not, consider hiring a property management company. Call in the Experts There can be a lot of red tape associated...

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How to Be the Best Vacation Rental Host

Great word-of-mouth and raving reviews are always the best marketing a rental owner can have – and the cheapest. Even great digital marketing can’t beat a personal recommendation. How do you get guests to rave about their stay?  By being the perfect host and delivering a 5-star experience to keep them coming back year after year! Here are some tips to do that: Scope out the competition – then be better. Learn from your competitions’ strengths and weaknesses. Research your competitors’ reviews for certain amenities people seem to enjoy and offer it for your rental, when possible. Also, take notice of common complaints, so you can avoid them. Depending on how thoroughly you want to investigate, consider sending a “secret...

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How Home Automation Can Save You Money

Despite common disregard for the cost-saving power of the thermostat, Energy Star has found that heating and cooling bills account for up to 45% of annual utility costs. Managing vacation rentals in tropical or mountainous areas can produce hefty heating and cooling bills. With home automation, you can control your thermostat remotely from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and save upwards of $200 a year, according to Energy Star. Renters hurrying to meet checkout time often leave A/C and other utilities running when they leave. Without being able to control your property remotely, these hours of wasted heating and cooling in your vacant rental can add up and leave you in a bind to adjust the settings. Home automation lets...

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